G20 replacement

4013 Views 27 Replies 8 Participants Last post by G20LuxDad, Mar 12, 2014

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · Mar 1, 2014

I have an 01 Deluxe with 148,000 miles.

It needs shocks, axles, motor mounts, tires, brakes and the steering wheel leather looks terrible. The sunroof doesn't open and has a few small tears in the leather.

I'm torn between keeping this car and fixing it, or buying something else <5k. I don't know what car I could buy that gives me the same gas mileage that gives me the same amount of luxury, gas mileage and reliability.

The body is straight, paint looks perfect and the body style still looks pretty current. Engine runs like a top. In the last 3 years, I've replaced the radiator, battery, Power Steering hose, battery and nothing else in 48,000 miles.

I can't do any of the work myself and not sure what to do. Fix it or not?

What would you do?

1 - 20 of 28 Posts

bhowle

· #2 · Mar 1, 2014

Fix it. You're looking at about $2k-$2500 worth of parts/labor if you have a good independent shop do it. Less if you can find one that will allow you to supply the parts.

You know the maintenance history of the vehicle and all of the little issues that it has. A used car will come with its own set of issues and a high price tag. You'll still end up dumping a few hundred into anything you buy, if not $1k.

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 2, 2014

Thanks. You are right of course.

One of my biggest concerns is the steering wheel. The paint or dye has come off the leather. It's pretty really bad.

What do you recommend for this?

bhowle

· #4 · Mar 2, 2014

G20LuxDad said:
Thanks. You are right of course.

One of my biggest concerns is the steering wheel. The paint or dye has come off the leather. It's pretty really bad.

What do you recommend for this?

I would replace the wheel with a used one from someone on the forum or the junkyard. You should post a want to buy thread in that section. I'm sure someone has a spare laying around.

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · #5 · Mar 4, 2014

It's going to the shop today to find out what all is wrong. I have a trustworthy mechanic.

One thing for sure are the axles. He quoted me $185.00 each side including parts and labor and both sides need replacing. I will probably have that done today.

The next big thing is motor mounts. He said he would replace them all for $150 and I supply the parts. Where do I buy them and what part numbers do I order? Should i just let him order the parts?

I posted a WTB for the steering wheel and got a response. $100 plus shipping. Not sure if that's a good price.

bhowle

· #6 · Mar 4, 2014

$185 per side is very fair for the axles. $150 labor for all 4 engine mounts is a great deal. OEM nissan parts are the best when it comes to mounts in a stock car, but they are pricey.

$100 for an excellent condition used steering wheel is pretty fair.

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 4, 2014

bhowle said:
$185 per side is very fair for the axles. $150 labor for all 4 engine mounts is a great deal. OEM nissan parts are the best when it comes to mounts in a stock car, but they are pricey.

$100 for an excellent condition used steering wheel is pretty fair.

Ok, The axles will be done today and the motor mounts he will order. Hopefully we can get those done tomorrow.

I'm still trying to figure out a way to refinish my steering wheel.

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 4, 2014

Tires I hope to do this week. I found 4 new tires for $275 installed. http://www.ebay.com/itm/111109412079?_trksid=p2055120.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

ViruzOne

· #9 · Mar 4, 2014

All those parts that it needs are just maintenance items. They wear out, they need to be replaced sooner or later on any car. If the body is straight and the engine is good and you like the car you should just keep it. Any other car under 5K of the same vintage will have as many miles and probably will need similar maintenance items going out if not worse like engine, transmission, electrical problems, damaged body, etc.

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 5, 2014

ViruzOne said:
All those parts that it needs are just maintenance items. They wear out, they need to be replaced sooner or later on any car.

I hope you are right, otherwise I'm going to be really sad. The axles were replaced and it steers fine now. No more clicking when I turn the wheel.

There is so much vibration in the car, I can barely ride in it. That and the road noise drives me crazy. I can't hear on the phone if I'm driving and the vibrations shake the fillings in my teeth.

Yesterday, I spent $1300 of money I sure don't have to waste on a car, much less on one I don't like. I sure hope when the motor mounts go in on Friday I have a different experience in this car.

My mechanic said he wasn't sure if the vibration was caused by the motor mounts, when I asked what else might cause it, he didn't know. I'm taking a $600 gamble on the motor mounts. Let's hope that fixes my issue because the vibrations are very loud and unpleasant. It's the single thing I hate the most about this car.

This morning I get the new tires and that should help the rolling noise and will have to wait to see if the motor mounts fix the vibration issues. I bought the standard size 195/65/15 and the shop said the brand of tires were Summit which is supposedly a better tire than Landsail.

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o2G2o

· #11 · Mar 5, 2014

Most steering wheels I've seen in G20s at the scrap yards are in nice shape. If I lived closer to you I'd help you get one out of a car and put it in yours. I've done it before on my own and it's not hard at all. I think you might be selling yourself short on doing some hings yourself. Granted, axles and mounts might not be an easy place to first get your hands dirty, but the steering wheel is a cake walk. My local yard sells steering wheels for $15 and it takes about 30 minutes to do the swap the first time around. Search for a step by step guide here on the site and I'm sure you can manage just fine.

As for the vibration, there are only so many things it can be. If it's terrible even when the car is running but in Park, then you can be PRETTY sure that's the culprit as far as I know. I've got a complete working sunroof for sale but already have a buyer lined up. If he flakes out I could send it your way.

Good luck!

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 5, 2014

The tires went on, and I needed an alignment. I had the oil changed and it was a $370 day.

The other day I checked trade in value for my car it was $1600.00. I've nearly put that much into it in the last two days.

roblop04

· #13 · Mar 5, 2014

i can go with you to the junkyard and look for a steering wheel and install it for you.. pretty easy job.

o2G2o

· #14 · Mar 5, 2014

Try to think of it as 50 cents a day for the past 5 years and 3 upcoming years.

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 5, 2014

roblop04 said:
i can go with you to the junkyard and look for a steering wheel and install it for you.. pretty easy job.

Wow, that would be terrific. I would pay you. I'll PM you when I have the time.

Thanks!

JDM_Ej

· #16 · Mar 5, 2014

Wen did the vibration start and when does it happen? Could be wheel balance, axles, wheel bearings.....

okivice

· #17 · Mar 5, 2014

G20LuxDad said:
Tires I hope to do this week. I found 4 new tires for $275 installed. http://www.ebay.com/itm/111109412079?_trksid=p2055120.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Checkout tirebuyer.com for a set of tires, if you have not made your purchase yet. I got a good deal there for a set of 17" tires.

okivice

· #18 · Mar 5, 2014 (Edited)

Duh, posted before I read through all of the thread, and now realize you already bought and mounted tires.

As for the vibration, if it is when you are sitting still with engine running when you notice it the most, then it is pointing towards the motor mounts. My 99 did that until I changed the mounts.

G20LuxDad

Discussion Starter · #19 · Mar 5, 2014

okivice said:
Duh, posted before I read through all of the thread, and now realize you already bought and mounted tires.

As for the vibration, if it is when you are sitting still with engine running when you notice it the most, then it is pointing towards the motor mounts. My 99 did that until I changed the mounts.

I just took the car for a second opinion. they said motor mounts were bad too and both front struts are leaking.

ViruzOne

· #20 · Mar 6, 2014

What is your vibration like. Is it at the steering wheel? Do you feel it in your butt or the whole car like other passengers can feel it? Is it While your driving? While in park or neutral? Motor mounts usually its one or two that are really bad to cause a lot of vibrations. You can rev the engine from the throttle body and see if the engine is moving a lot. Take a look at the motor mounts yourself. You should be able to see 2 or 3 of them fairly easy and see how they look. If they look torn, ripped, or leaking shit then theyre done. If they look solid then it might be something else.

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